February 29, 2024 ancaster
It’s Rare Disease Week so today’s Influential Dancer is someone who pushed the limitations of his rare disease: Luca “Lazylegz” Patuelli
This Canadian dancer from Montreal, was born with arthrogryposis, a rare neuromuscular disease that causes problems with joints and muscles. Lazylegz has turned his physical challenges into a powerful source of inspiration. Today’s post explores this b-boy’s moving story in the dance world.
Early Life
Lazylegz has had a total of 16 surgeries since he was as young as 7 months old to support his hips, legs, spine, and shoulders. Those are some powerful areas for everyday function and dance. Luca has always found creative ways of working around his challenges to participate activities with his friends. He uses these skills to keep active in soccer, football, baseball, skiing, surfing, diving, and rock climbing. Nothing stops him. When he was 15 years old Luca was introduced to breakdancing and he fell in love right away with everything about it. The music, the community, the culture, and the challenging movements. B-boying became his passion and he creatively made use of his crutches in his dance.
Building his Career:
Lazylegz has built an international recognition throughout his career as a professional dancer. He has regularly competed in dance competitions around the world such as Breakin’ Convention, Freestyle Session, IBE, R16, Circle Prinz, World of Dance and Hip Hop International. These achievements began to draw attention earning him appearances on TV shows such as “So You Think You Can Dance Canada”, “America’s Got Talent” “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and many more.
In 2010 Luca was a headliner and the Segment Director for the Paralympic Opening Ceremonies. The following year he would be invited by the Théâtre National de Chaillot in Paris, France to join the cast of Montalvo-Hervieu’s production of Orphée as a lead dancer. His journey has not only earned him recognition but has also paved the way for differently-abled dancers on mainstream platforms.
Innovative Dance Style:
Lazylegz is known for his unique dance style, a mix of hip hop, breakdancing, and contemporary movements. Arthrogryposis prevented the muscles in his legs from developing properly, however Luca learned that this gave him an ability to do things differently in his dance giving him the ability to create new styles specific to him and how his body works. He has broken down barriers and stereotypes making him a leader and inspiration not only in the hip hop scene but to the differently-abled around the world.
Creating Inspiration
Lazylegz has grown to be an inspiration to many. After earning his bachelor’s degree in business and Majoring in Marketing Luca used his combination of skills to advocate for inclusion and integration. He aims to deliver the message that all abilities can dance, and can dance together. He does this in different ways:
- Co-Founding the RAD Movement (formerly Projet RAD) – an urban dance movement creating an inclusive dance environment for youth with disabilities. In 2015 Luca along with partners Melissa Emblin and Marie-Elaine Patenaude were recognized by David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, with a Meritorious Service Medal for their dedication and commitment to making a more inclusive society.
- Creating ILL-Abilities – an international B-Boy dance crew of differently-abled dancers from across the world. ILL-Abilities has competed in dance competitions, choreographed, theatrical dance productions recognized by the Society of London Theatre and received a nomination for an Olivier Award (in London, UK) for “Outstanding Achievement in Dance.” Check out ILL-Abilities
- The “No Excuses, No Limits” Program – a part of Luca’s busy schedule includes motivational speaking. “No Excuses, No Limits” is Luca’s mantra. He presents his message in schools, events, festivals, and corporate workshops teaching others to keep an open mind allowing them to adapt and find solutions against things that others consider limitations. He encourages others to use creative thinking to overcome any obstacle.
- Visiting kids in hospitals and children’s rehab centres – in his free time Luca will visit hospitals and rehabilitation centres to both entertain and inspire the children. Luca remembers life as a child in hospital and how “boring” it was and how a regular visit from a clown would help bring light to his day and hope. He aims to do the same.
Lazylegz’ journey from facing physical challenges to becoming a leader in the hip hop dance world is truly inspirational. His story shows the strength of the human spirit and the power of creative thinking. Luca. Lazylegz Patuelli with his unique dance style, advocacy for inclusivity, and motivational speaking, stands as a living example of how passion and hard work can win over difficulty. In celebrating Lazylegz, we celebrate the power of the human spirit and the limitless possibilities that lie within each of us.
Check out this video about Lazylegz: